Experience authentic Georgian elegance is this unique large OVAL studio apartment, overlooking park. Accommodates two in cosy sleeping loft. Light a fire, cook dinner in the designer kitchen, and then head out to enjoy the attractions of the city.

Come stay in one of Dublin's unique Georgian apartments, a perfect oval room, situated on Mountjoy Square, in the heart of Dublin's North Georgian core, and just minutes from O'Connell Street.
This large studio apartment is on the ground floor of a beautiful redbrick townhouse, built in 1792. Both house and apartment retain all their original features, combined with modern comforts.
The apartment has a fantastic 10ft window and overlooks a quiet side street, with an oblique view of the park. It has a working black Kilkenny marble fireplace with a spectacular gilt over-mantle mirror. The log basket is fully stocked with fuel- we charge cost price on an 'honour system'. The fully equipped kitchen has a granite worktop, a gas hob, electric oven, dishwasher and microwave.
The rest of the apartment is comfortably furnished with period furniture including a Georgian oval 'hunt' dining table and four matching chairs, a comfortable 6 ft., sofa, TV & DVD player along with an iPod/iPhone dock for music. A small library of Irish books, and DVD's is available.
The bedroom is upstairs and overlooks the apartment. It has a comfortable contract-quality double bed ,Siberian white goose down duvet and pillows and pure Pima/Egyptian cotton sheets. Read in comfort with vintage Anglepoise reading lights. Please note there is restricted headroom in the sleeping loft, and consequently, the bed is low.
A 90cm contract-quality single bed, and extra linens are available for a third guest. A charge of €10, to cover the cost of the extra laundry, will be collected upon arrival, if the room is occupied as a twin.
The bathroom has a high-pressure shower and loads of storage space.
•You will receive a welcome pack of the basics- quality tea, coffee, home-made granola and preserves, yoghurt, fresh fruit, free-range eggs and fresh brown soda bread.
•100% cotton bed linen and towels are provided
•Local tourist information and guide books available
•Free wi-fi
•Hair dryer
•Fuel, at cost price, is available for the fire, if required.
•Washing machine and dryer are available in the building- €7.50
•Secure off-street parking is available for €5 per night
CHECK-IN IS FROM 2pm, but we are happy to take in your bags AFTER 9am, and can give you keys to come aback at your leisure, after 2pm. CHECK-OUT IS BY 11AM, please.
The house is perfectly located for exploring the city; all of the city's cultural institutions are within walking distance and the transport connections are excellent.
Airport bus (41) passes door, 8 min. walk to LUAS Red line, DART, (Connolly and Tara) and city busses. Dublin Bikes stand opposite house.
KARIN'S GUIDE TO THE CITY
LOCAL GROCERY SHOPPING, SERVICES AND BREAKFAST OPTIONS
In general, shopping hours are 9.30-6pm, with late-night shopping till 8pm on Thursdays. Sunday opening is from noon.
BREAKFAST
The Old Music Store on North Frederick Street, a few blocks NW of us, does a good Irish breakfast in comfortable surroundings. The Kingfisher Café, a no-frills 'caff' on the corner of Parnell Square and Parnell Street West is good for breakfast, with friendly and efficient service. Good value, and good fish and chips later in the day.
LOCAL GROCERY SHOPPING
Tops in Pops, just down the street to the right, for fresh local produce and basic groceries, 8.30am to 6pm Monday to Saturday. They are a fourth-generation local business, who have been trading on the site since 1931. The Londis corner store next door opens 8am to 10pm, but charge for privilege. There is an ATM machine at the back, right hand side of the store.
Dunne's Stores, is the indigenous supermarket and department store chain, and has branches in every sizeable town throughout the country. There are two local branches. In North Earl Street, opposite O’Connell Street’s Spire, the Off-Licence (liquor store) is in a separate premises, a few doors apart - look for the James Joyce statue. You will find a bigger branch in the ILAC Shopping Centre, flanked by Henry Street, Moore Street and Parnell Street West (Moore Street entrance is opposite Paris Bakery).
There is Metro Tesco on Parnell Street West, just past the Rotunda Hospital. A main branch is to be found in the basement of the Jervis Centre, off Henry Street.
Carney’s Butchers, is another multi-generational local family business, which prides itself on the quality of its meat. In keeping with local tradition, they sell fresh fish on Friday’s.
F.X. Buckley’s Butchers have two local branches; Moore Street and Talbot Street. This is a very old Dublin business and they have everything; free-range pork, beef and lamb from their own herds, poultry, game in season and fish, and, in the Moore Street branch, a deli counter for cooked meats next door. They are very obliging, and the lads have a great line in smart (sassy) chat.
PHARMACIES
Foley's Pharmacy on Parnell Street East is a 100+ year-old family business; they are very helpful. Opening hours: Monday-Saturday 9am 6pm.
There is a late-night pharmacy, Hickey’s at 55 Lower O’Connell Street, (west side, within the block closest to the river). Opening hours: 8am -10pm M-F, 8.30am-10pm Saturday. 10am 10pm Sunday. Web: (EMAIL HIDDEN)
POST OFFICES
Nearest Post Office is Parnell Street East, at corner of Marlborough Street, but much nicer is the GPO, O’Connell Street. 1828 façade, but badly damaged in the 1916 Rising, and largely rebuilt in 1928. The main hall is beautiful, with its entire original, 1928, fittings intact. It also contains the iconic statue, by Oliver Shepherd, The Dying Cuchullin. You will find a booklet with postal rates in the black folder.
BANKS
Allied Irish Bank has a branch on O’Connell Street, at the SW junction with Parnell Street, opposite the Rotunda Hospital. ATM in the wall.
Bank of Ireland has a branch at Lower O’Connell Street, on the east side of the street, between Middle Abbey Street and Ashton Quay. ATM inside, opens
MEDICAL AND DENTAL PRACTICES
Mountjoy Medical Practice, Dr. Gerry Roebuck, Dr. Holly Porter (female) Dr. Colm Killeen. 2-3 Baker’s Yard, Portland Street North. Tel (PHONE NUMBER HIDDEN).
Opening hours 9-1.30 and 3.30-5.30. You can just drop in. €50 per visit.
Frederick Dental Clinic, Dr. Peter Dwyer, North Frederick Street.
-My dentist- is happy to see people on an emergency basis. Call for appointment.
Tel:(PHONE NUMBER HIDDEN).
NORTHSIDE
LOCAL RESTAURANTS:
My favourite local is W. J. Kavanagh's on Dorset Street, just two blocks north of us, on the main road to the airport. It's an old Dublin pub, which has undergone a gentle transformation - a huge selection of craft beers, and a small, artisan-based seasonal menu. very laid back and no tourists.
'The Cobalt Cafe', in a beautiful Georgian house on North Great Georges Street, which doubles as a gallery, is great for lunch. Parnell Street, Dublin's emerging 'Chinatown' is just a half a block to the south. Newly opened, on Parnell Square West is 'The Hot Stove', serving modern Irish food in a smart and comfortable setting.
Across O'Connell Street, on Moore Street, you will find the Paris Bakery, and (new) Deli. They serve all day, until 10 pm; superb pastries and great coffee from 8am, as well as excellent bistro-style meals, and fantastic bread.
Nearer the river, 'Le Bon Crubeen' (crubeen=pig's trotter- it's a modern Franco-Irish restaurant) is on Talbot Street, as is the venerable and immensely popular 'Talbot 101'. It is packed to the gunnels with locals between 5.54 and 7.15, enjoying their pre-theatre supper before the Abbey curtains rise at 7.30, when they relinquish their seats for the rest of us!
On the riverfront, I love Panem, facing the Millennium Bridge, for a quick coffee and a delicious Sicilian almond biscuit, baked on the premises. A few doors down, you'll find a cluster of Italian bars, cafes and restaurants serving good quality food. Half a block to the east is the trendy 'Winding Stairs' restaurant, with its book-lined walls (relics of a former second-hand bookshop-cum-cafe of the same name), while The Woollen Mills, opposite the Halfpenny Bridge, has a sophisticated casual menu, based on 'plates' for sharing.Back on Capel Street, locals rave about Brother Hubbard for lunch.
LOCAL PUBS include the 'Hill 16' just opposite the house, on Gardiner Street - very popular with the GAA crowd on match days (the Gaelic Athletic Association Stadium, Croke Park, is just 3 blocks to the east), they pull a superb 'pint'. ‘The Heritage Parnell’, on Parnell Street West, just around the corner from O’Connell Street 'The Flowing Tide', on the corner of Marlborough Street, opposite the Abbey Theatre, is one of my favorites - after the curtain goes down in the Abbey, half the cast are likely to be at the bar. A few doors closer to O’Connell Street is Mulligan’s, another very nice pub, dating from the Edwardian era. 'The Church' on Mary Street, in a converted 1720's church, is another fine place for a drink; the former owner won many accolades for the high quality of the restoration. Capel Street has many typical local pubs, which have the added benefit of serving a largely local population. They include Mc’Neill’s' which is good for traditional music, and Slattery's . 'The Black Sheep' has the local craft beers covered, and does good bar food, (as does its sister pub, ‘The Brew Dock’, on Store Street, at the bottom of Gardiner Street. The north side traditional music 'musician’s' bar is 'The Cobblestone', at the top of Smithfield, and is suitably grungy.
DEPARTMENT STORES AND FASHION
Henry Street, off O’Connell Street, at the SPIRE, is the premier shopping street on the north side of the river. Here you will find Arnott’s the local department store, which highlights Irish fashion and design, throughout the store, and has several nice cafes. Henry Street also contains large branches of Debenhams and Marks&Spencers, as well as branches of most of the high street fashion chains. There are two large shopping centres, the Jervis, with a large branch of Tesco’s in the Basement, and the ILAC, which has a Dunnes Department Store, with a Food Hall in the basement. (You can shop for fresh produce on adjacent Moore Street, Dublin's oldest street market, now also home to a thriving cluster of ethnic food markets and restaurants.) Clery’s Department Store is on O’Connell Street- have a look at the elegant 1940’s neo-classical façade, a mini version of Selfridges’s in London.
NORTHSIDE CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS
The North side of Parnell Square is home to the city's Hugh Lane Gallery of Modern Art; we share a significant collection of Impressionist painting with the Tate Gallery in London, part of the Hugh Lane Bequest, which is rotated in seven-year cycles. Next door is the Writer's Centre, and next door again, is the Writer's Museum, with a Michelin-starred restaurant in the basement, the amazing Chapter One. Down on the East side of Parnell Square is the beautiful jewel-box that is the Gate Theatre - part of the 18th-century entertainment complex established by the entrepreneurial Dr. Bartholomew, to help support his new Rotunda Maternity Hospital (the oldest purpose-built such hospital in the world, and still delivering babies on a daily basis, 270 years later (9000 is 2012).
You could be seated in either the Abbey or Gate Theatres within 10 minutes of leaving the house, and the James Joyce Cultural Centre is even closer, on North Great Georges Street (don't forget to check out the Cobalt Cafe, opposite).
Hop on the Luas Red Line, going west, in Abbey Street, halfway between Mountjoy Square and the river, and you will be dropped at the ‘Museum’. The National Museum, Collins Barracks, housed in an old military barracks, dating from 1702, contains the Decorative Arts Collections, (basically, everything post 1700). Descend at the next stop, ‘Heuston’ for IMMA, Ireland's National Museum of Modern Art, housed in the old Kilmainham Hospital, built in the1660’s. It pre-dates the more famous Chelsea Hospital in London by several years.
Not to be missed is the Old Jameson Distillery, in Smithfield. Jameson was distilled here until 1971, when three historic distilleries amalgamated, and centralized distilling in Midleton, Co. Cork. The Museum is very well presented; one is guided around the distilling floor, among the huge old pot stills before retiring to the Bar to sample the goods.
Nearby is one of the oldest churches in Dublin, St.Michan’s, on Church Street, dating from the mid-11thc. There are several mummified bodies in the basement, thought to be Crusaders. When I was a child, one was allowed to shake their hands…..
SOUTHSIDE
In the south city centre, the RESTAURANT HUB is in the pedestrian streets to either side of Grafton Street, and in Temple Bar. Particular favourites of mine include:
* Nede, Temple Bar Square
* Eden Bar and Grill, South William Street
* The Green Hen, Wicklow Street
* Fallon and Byrne, Exchequer Street, basement wine-bar, full service restaurant first- floor, and coffee bar within the food-hall on the ground floor.
* Fade Street Social, Fade Street, tapas bar and full-service restaurant.
* The Rustic Stone, Exchequer Street, upmarket, sophisticated and healthy ‘fast food’.
* Cornucopia, Wicklow Street- vegetarian café day, full service by evening.
* The Port House, South William Street, wine bar and tapas.
* Pinxto, Crowe Street, Temple Bar, as above, same management.
Southside city-centre TRADITIONAL PUBS we like are:
* Mulligan's, Poolbeg Street
* Neary's, Chatham Street
* Grogan’s, South William Street
* International Bar, Wicklow Street
* O'Neill's, Suffolk Street
* The Dawson Lounge, Dawson Street
* The Stag's Head, Connaught Court
* The Long Hall, South Great Georges Street
* Doheny and Nesbitt’s, Merrion Row
* Kehoe’s, South Anne Street
* The Duke, Duke Street
Fronting the river, TEMPLE BAR, with its vibrant mix of independent shops, cafes, restaurants, pubs, markets and cultural institutions occupies an area three blocks deep and ten blocks long. At the western end, look out for the two branches of the Queen of Tarts- a wonderful teas shop that offers really good home baking and teas and coffees, all served on mismatched antique china (Lord Edward Street and Cow's Lane).
TEMPLE BAR FARMERS MARKET, is held every Saturday in Meeting House Square, 9-4.30, now has a smart new tensile roof for wet days, and is a good place to rub shoulders with the locals, whilst sampling local food culture. Don’t miss the Oyster Stall, Hick’s Pork Butchers, or David Llewyllan’s fantastic ‘Double L’ local cider- 100% apple (not even water), and the two local cheese stalls, among others. Don’t’ forget to check out the overflow stalls on Curved Street, where Rossa Crowe’s fantastic bread is on offer- Rossa took himself off to France for two years to train, and now produces slow fermented breads, made with the very best organic flours.
TRINITY COLLEGE is a good orientation point; from here it is easy to find the mediaeval core, the cultural/political hub of the country around Kildare Street, and the Grafton Street fashion hub.
The campus occupies a 40-acre (16ha.) site, and is over 400 years old, though what one sees today are mainly beautiful eighteenth-century buildings. It is worth a wander around, after a visit to spectacular Long Library, to see the Book of Kells and other illustrated Celtic manuscripts.
From Front Gate, look south to Grafton Street or west up College Green and Dame Street, which lead to the mediaeval core. At the brow of the hill you will find:
* Dublin Castle (visit the State Apartments, the Chester Beatty Library and the lovely garden in front (which is actually the helicopter-landing pad for the Castle).
* The City Hall with its 'Museum of the Capital' in the basement is worth a look- the Hall is free, and there is a nominal charge for the Museum.
* Christchurch Cathedral
* Dublinia-in the Christchurch Chapterhouse (Viking Exhibition).
* Old Saint Audeon's Church, built almost into the city wall.
* St Patrick's Cathedral, and historic park beside.
* Marshe's Library-the oldest public library in these islands, 1701.
* Francis Street- the Antiques Quarter.
* Thomas Street/Meath Street, for a touch of 'Old Dublin'.
* The Guinness Storehouse.
* Royal Hospital, Kilmainham, (IMMA) Ireland's National Gallery of Modern Art, with its wonderful, recently restored formal garden.
KILMINHAM GAOL is worth a visit, and tells the story of Irish Nationalism. It can be reached via the grounds of IMMA, passing Bully’s Acre, and old graveyard, where Brian Boru was reputedly rested on his way to his final burial place in Armagh.
Alternatively, exit onto Nassau Street, with its cluster of high-quality shops showcasing the best of Irish crafts - fashion, knitwear, weaving, glassware, ceramics and contemporary jewellery - the Kilkenny Shop has a great cafe upstairs, with views over College Park.
Continue along the College Park railings till you reach Kildare Street, the cultural-institutional hub of the country. All of our national cultural institutions have free admission. Here you will find the National Library, and the National Museum, facing each other over the forecourt of Leinster House, home to the Oireachtas, our National Parliament. The National Library has a lovely exhibit on the poet, W.B. Yeats, and the Treasury, in the National Museum houses both the Bronze Age and Early Christian collections.
On the opposite side of the block, on Merrion Street/Merrion Square, you will find the National Gallery, and the Natural History Museum (known to Dubliner's of my father's generation, as 'The Dead Zoo’. This is a very refreshing look to the past, with absolutely no interpretation, and nothing, not even a postcard, to buy).
The National Gallery is halfway through a four-year renovation programme; in the meantime, the Millennium Wing, on Clare Street, has a ‘highlights of’ exhibition, and the Café and Gift Shop are also accessed via the Clare Street Entrance.
GETTING AROUND
Two operators offer Hop-On/Hop-Off tours:
(URL HIDDEN)
(URL HIDDEN)
They both offer a 2-day ticket, and cost roughly the same price - check them out online before you make up your mind.
One can buy an integrated LEAP card in most newsagents, at train stations, and in the Dublin Bus Head Office at 42 O’Connell Street (on the west side of the street, just north of the Spire). This can be used on the LUAS, DART, some suburban mainline trains, and on Dublin Bus routes.
There is also a 3-day tourist pass, the Freedom Ticket, which provides good value. €28 will give you 72 hours transport, starting at the Airport; Airlink from the airport, the Hop-On-Hop –Off tourist bus and all local bus routes. Web: (URL HIDDEN)
•The DART, the local electric commuter train, runs north/south along the coast. The northside city centre station is Connolly, on Amiens Street, facing Talbot Street, but I usually suggest people use Tara Street, as Connolly is also a mainline station, and is very big, and a bit confusing. Tara is purely a commuter station, and is about the same distance. It is on George’s Quay, just south of the Custom House. The other south-side city centre station is Pearse, on Westland Row, at the south end of the Trinity campus.
•The LUAS Red Line runs east-west through the north side of the city, as far east as the docks, and serves both Connolly and Heuston mainline stations. The nearest stop to Mountjoy Square is Abbey, on Middle Abbey Street, opposite the Abbey Theatre. The LUAS Green Line serves the south suburbs; Ranelagh, Dundrum, Leopardstown Racecourse, and on out to Cherrywood, on the county boundary with Wicklow.
•Main cross-city bus routes run north-south through O’Connell Street. The No.7 terminates on Mountjoy Square North, and there is a ‘shopper’s fare’ of 50c, to Grafton Street- alight at Trinity. On the return journey it skirts the Trinity campus and comes along Pearse, to the east of the campus - catch it on Clare Street, at the Millennium wing of the National Gallery.
•DUBLIN BIKES are free to use for the first half hour, and have a stand on Mountjoy Square West, but one needs to go to the Princes Street stand (to the right hand side of the General Post Office (GPO)), to purchase a short term card. It costs €2, and is only available to credit card holders.
SHOPPING WITH A DIFFERENCE
Those interested in the local fashion, art and design scene should look out for the following addresses (in no particular order):
•Designist, South Great George's Street (stock chosen for good design)
•Irish Design Store, Drury Street
•Article, Powerscourt Townhouse Centre (housewares)
•Irish Designer Store, Top floor Powerscourt Townhouse Centre
•Cow's Lane Gallery, Temple Bar (artist’s collective)
•The Jam Factory, Nicholas Street (artist’s collective)
•Avoca, Suffolk Street
•Kilkenny Shop, Nassau Street
•Designyard, South Frederick Street (jewellery)
•Louise Kennedy, couturier, Merrion Square, and Tipperary Crystal
•Gallery Zozimus, Francis Street (art gallery and carefully chosen crafts)
•Graphic Studio Gallery, Temple Bar (artist-printmaker’s gallery)
•Malthouse Design Centre and Shop, Distillery Court, 537 North Circular Road, just around the corner from Mountjoy Square (cluster of design-led businesses, 10-5 M-F)
•Magee's of Donegal, Wicklow Street, and,
•Kevin and Howlin, Nassau Street have hand-woven tweeds covered.
•Dubarry's, College Green produce wonderful, country-style outerwear, including the most perfect alternative to sweaty, waterproof Wellington boots…
•Monaghan's, Hibernian Way, the House of Ireland on Nassau Street and the Sweater Shops on Wicklow Street and Nassau Street has the best selections of traditional knitwear. Monaghan's specialise in cashmere.
•Murphy and Sheehy, Castle Market, stock Irish tweed, Irish linen and a quirky selection of designer fabrics. Look out for their ‘Linen Union (linen/cotton blend) Glass Cloths- the best ever for polishing glassware, they make a super, useful, inexpensive and lightweight traditional gift!
•The Cloth Shop, St. William Street, for interesting designer fabric, including a good selection of Irish Linen, and Liberty of London
INDEPENDENT BOOKSHOPS and MUSIC STORES
Eason’s, O’Connell Street, is a Dublin institution for over 100 years. It encompasses a large stationery department, a branch of Tower Records on the top floor, academic books in the basement, a nice café and two floors of general books. It is a good place to browse books of Irish interest, and they have a really good Information Desk.
Chapters, Parnell Street West is my ‘local’. John Gannon is one of the best booksellers in the business, and his staff are hand-picked enthusiastic bibliophiles, one and all. Stock is a mixture of the latest releases, and carefully chosen remaindered books. Their ordering service is superlative, and they ALWAYS know exactly what one is talking about, even with just the vaguest, half-remembered clues from a newspaper review. Very strong on contemporary fiction, natural history, non-fiction and books of Irish interest. Extensive second-hand section upstairs.
The Secret Bookstore, Wicklow Street is another favourite. It’s tucked away down a passage, near the L’Occitane shop and often throws up gems among its large second-hand stock. An eclectic music store occupies the rear of the shop.
Cathach Rare Books, Duke Street, specializes in Irish first editions, and have an interesting selection of Irish maps and prints.
Stokes Books is another interesting antiquarian/secondhand shop, specializing in books of Irish interest. You’ll find it in Georges Street Arcade.
Claddagh Records, Cecelia Street, Temple Bar, is primarily a music publisher, but they have a retail outlet in Temple Bar, which is the oldest independent music shop in Dublin, and specializes in traditional Irish music, with some interesting World Music additions.
The Celtic Note, on Nassau Street, beside the Kilkenny Shop is another good bet.
PLACES OF WORSHIP:
Roman Catholic:
Many Catholic churches have Mass on Saturday evening, in addition to morning Masses.
•St. Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church, Upper Gardiner Street. Gospel Mass, 7.30pm Sundays, September to mid June.
•St. Mary's Metropolitan Church - the Pro-Cathedral, Marlborough. Sung Mass, 11am, Sundays, with the Palestrina Choir.
•St. Joseph’s Church, Berkeley Road, Dublin 7.
•St. Teresa’s Church, Clarendon Street Church, choir sings at 11 o’clock Mass, Sunday’s
•St. Peter’s Church, Phibsborough, Dublin 7, has wonderful Harry Clarke ((PHONE NUMBER HIDDEN)) stained glass windows.
•Whitefriars Street Church, Aungier Street, church has relics of St. Valentine.
Church of Ireland:
•Christchurch Cathedral, Christchurch Place, sung Services Sundays,
•St. Patrick's Cathedral, Nicholas Street, sung Services Sundays.
•St. Anne’s Church, Dawson Street, Dublin 2
Jewish:
Dublin Hebrew Congregation
(URL HIDDEN)
Daily services in Synagogue at 32a Rathfarnham Road,
Public Transport:
Buses: (PHONE NUMBER HIDDEN).
Get off at Terenure Cross (road). Walk up Rathfarnham Road, pass AIB Bank and one row of terraced houses; shul is next building, with wooden/metal security gates. Across the street is a shop called Window Fashions.
Dublin Jewish Progressive Congregation (DJPC)
Website: (URL HIDDEN)
Email: (EMAIL HIDDEN)
Postal: PO Box 3059, Dublin 6
President: Mrs. Hilary Abrahamson
Muslim:
Islamic Cultural Centre of Ireland (ICCI)
19 Roebuck Road, Clonskeagh, Dublin 14,
Tel: (PHONE NUMBER HIDDEN)
Islamic Foundation of Ireland (IFI)
163 South Circular Road, Dublin 8.
Tel: +(PHONE NUMBER HIDDEN)
Anwar-up-Madina
Moore Street, Dublin 1.
SHORT TRIPS OUTSIDE THE CITY BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT
NORTH:
Catch the No.46A bus, (heading north on O'Connell Street to the Phoenix Park- the largest enclosed urban park in the world, 1750 acres behind a seven-mile-long stone wall. Ashtown Castle Interpretive Centre, with its wonderful walled garden and café is a good place to orient oneself. From here, on Saturdays, it is possible to visit Aras an Uachtarian, the official residence of our President. One can also visit Farmliegh, the Official State Guesthouse, a former Guinness mansion. Among it’s attractions are an art gallery, café, occasional free concerts, and regular weekend Farmer’s Markets. The Park also houses the Dublin Zoo, (1827, the second-oldest Zoo in the world, after London’s Regent Park Zoo). Several herd of Fallow Deer roam at liberty.
Many sports are catered for; there is Polo ground, a cricket club, and lots soccer pitches. The Duke of Wellington is commemorated by a marvelous granite obelisk, which can be seen for miles. The area know as the Forty Acres affords superb views over the city, with the Royal Hospital and Guinness in the foreground, along the south side of the River Liffey. Phoenix Park can also be reached via the LUAS Red Line, direction Tallagh, heading west. Alight at 'Museum' and take a detour into the National Museum-Collins Barracks, which houses the Decorative Arts, post-1700, wonderful collections of silver, furniture, glass and other artifacts.
Just up the road, in Glasnevin there are three worthwhile attractions: Glasnevin Cemetary, was founded by Daniel O’Connell as one of his first initiatives, post Catholic Emancipation in 1829, to provide a dignified place for Catholic burial. The Glasnevin Musuem is new, and has superlative displays of Nationalist history. They also have a very good Geneology Department.
The National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, date from the end of 18thC. Though relatively small, they contain an internationally-aclaimed collection of plants and three iconic Glasshouses, by Turner of Dublin, which have all been restored in the recent past. There is a nice café in the Gardens, and entry is free. The Gravedigger’s Pub, over-looking a Green, is not to be missed. It got its name from the fact that there used to be a hatch in the rear wall, through which the gravediggers were served. They do nice simple pub food, and one can sit outside on sunny days. Walk back into town, and stop at either the The Botanic Bar at Harte’s Corner or the Brian Borus, typicl local bars. The Porter House, at Cross Guns Bridge, which is a micro-brewery, with nice food, is on the corner of the Royal Canal. Take a stroll east down the canal bank, and you will see swans, and moor-hens going about their business. At the next bridge, at Dorset Street look out for the lifesize bronze statue of Brendan Behan, a local author. From here is just a few minute’s stroll up Belvidere Place, with its charming stepped terraces of tall Georgian houses, to Mountjoy Square.
Another favorite is the Marino Casino, in Fairview/Clontarf, an early 18th century pleasure house, built to the design of Sir William Chambers, for Lord Charlemont, purely for entertaining, also just a few miles by bus, north of the city centre.
Catch the DART, the coastal commuter train, heading north, at Tara Street Station, on the South Liffey quays, at Butt Bridge, and take a short ride. You have the choice of Howth (a working fishing village) or Malahide.
Howth Demesne or Howth Head, behind the village will both afford walks with great views; the Harbour has a dozen restaurants along the quay- ranging from take-out fish and chips to the very upmarket. Book an early-evening window table at Aqua, and be astonished by the sunset over the coast, looking north-west. Another favourite of mine is Deep, midway along the quay (and do watch out for the local tame and greedy Harbour Seal, who begs shamelessly from the trawler men, who tie up alongside).
Malahide is a charming village, with some of the most expensive urban residential properties in the country. Good food and good shopping are to be had here. On the edge of the village you will find Malahide Castle and Demesne, open to the public, which includes a renowned private Arboretum, as Milo de Malahide, the last of his family, (who had occupied the castle continuously since Norman times, in the 10th-12th centuries) was a significant plants-man. The Castle contains the National Portrait Collection, as was as magnificent furniture and other contents. There is a smart new branch of the AVOCA Shop and Café in the Courtyard.
SOUTH:
South of the city you will find Rathfarnham Castle, and its Berkeley Costume and Toy Collection. Marley Park is a little further, just at the foot of the Dublin Mountains. It has wonderful parkland with easy walks, and a magnificent walled garden with a nice cafe. The No.16 bus, from O’Connell Street will leave you close by.
Powerscourt is at the edge of Enniskerry, its associated estate village, at the end of the No.44 bus route, which winds its way through the south side suburbs, into Wicklow, through the Scalp, a deep and picturesque glacial valley. The 19th century gardens are fabulous, and make great use of the 'borrowed landscape' beyond. The terrace and Nepture fountain are centred on the Sugarloaf mountain, which marks the beginning of the Wicklow Mountains. The Powerscourt Waterfall, part of the same estate, is a few miles further on, and there are beautiful, way-marked, woodland and moorland walks in the hills nearby. Do be mindful; these ‘mountains’ can be deceptive- while not high, they can be treacherous, as weather conditions can change in minutes. Stick to the way-marked paths, and do keep an eye on the weather.
Take the DART south to Bray and Greystones - via Dun Loughaire, Dalkey and Killiney - all interesting villages, with many cafes and restaurants.
Killiney Hill, with its eighteenth century obelisk at the summit, is a short climb that results in amazing views over Dublin Bay, and down into the Wicklow Mountains beyond. There is a nice pub in in the ‘village’- ‘The Druid’s Chair’.
Dalkey is a charming village with old-fashioned shops and lots of nice pubs, cafes and restaurants. The local Dalkey Castle Heritage Centre, is worth checking out, and in the summer run a theatre programme, and walking tours.
Bray Esplanade is a classic Victorian seaside amenity, sturdily built from local granite - the perfect place to enjoy an ice-cream. Campo di Fiori, either the Restaurant or the Café, both near the train station and the north end of the Promenade, are particular favourites of mine.
If one is feeling energetic, one could contemplate the Cliff Walk from Bray to Greystones - 4miles/6km along the rough cliff path. Lots of nice pubs for a pint of Guinness at the other end, The Hungry Pear is my favourite café, among many. The DART will take you straight back into the city. But.. make sure to do it in the morning, as by mid-day the path is in shade, and it can be windy and cold.
WEST:
Travelling into the rich plains of Kildare, by the No. 67 bus route, you will come to the historic village of Celbridge, just twelve miles from the city centre. Castletown House is Ireland's finest Palladian mansion, and was saved from destruction by Desmond Guinness, in the early 1960's. He purchased it from the construction company who had acquired it. They intended to demolish it, to make way for a vast suburban housing estate. The Irish Georgian Society, founded by Desmond Guinness, restored the house and furnished it with the help of many volunteers and sponsors, and opened it to the public, a heroic task for a small membership conservation society. Today, it is in State ownership, and it is the flagship Georgian heritage property of Ireland. It is beautifully presented, and the parklands are undergoing restoration.
A local bus, or the commuter train from Connolly Station in Amiens Street, will take one to Maynooth, a charming University town, with another magnificent Palladian mansion, Carton House, now operating as a very upmarket hotel and golf club.
Lots of companies offer day-long coach tours. Some involve very long days, i.e, Cliffs of Moher in Clare and the Giant’s Causeway on the Antrim coast. Two more local, and very worthwhile ones are either:
The Boyne Valley Tour (Newgrange Neolithic ( 5000 yr old World Heritage Site) / Mellifont Cistercian ruins- (12thC.)/ Monasterboice Early Christian (6th-8thC.)
The Wicklow-Glendalough Tour (Powerscourt / Wicklow Mountains National Park and Glendalough (Glen of the Two Lakes) a 6thC. Early Christian site, in beautiful wooded valley.
Details of both of these trips, and others, are available in the big black folder in the apartment.

A beautiful, historic, residential square, built in 1790's, within 5-10 minutes walk of the city centre. Elegance and convenience combined with a bit of inner city grittiness. I have loved it all, since 1978!

We spent two nights in the Oval studio. The photos are representative of the beautiful apartment in Georgian style. Clean sheets, adequate bathroom, kitchen equipped with all instruments (dishwasher, microwave, etc ..). Ms. Karin welcomed us with great courtesy and availability, giving us an excellent guide, she realized, the points of interest of the city. The apartment is located 25 minutes walk from the center, on the edge of a historic district, beyond which, as Ms. Karin told us, there are several social houses.

Roberta2015-08-12T00:00:00Z

Very nice and charming place. Nice and quiet neighborhood; walking distance to a main avenue. Unit is as described and as seen in pictures Comfortable bed in the loft, stocked kitchen for breakfast. We had Internet and some plumbing issues but was addressed immediately - not owners fault but with city system. Karin is very helpful, available and responsive. Unit is prefect for a couple.

Christina2015-05-27T00:00:00Z

Our stay was fantastic! The apartment is lovingly furnished and fully equipped. We especially enjoyed the comfy couch right in front of the wood fire place (works great, wood is provided). Karin is a caring a very respectful host. She even made sure that eggs, milk, bread and other things for a great breakfast were available to us! We would definitely stay in this apartment and with Karin as a host again!

Andreas2012-11-26T00:00:00Z

We arrived in Dublin, exhausted, after traveling almost 24 hours, and what a delight it was to pull into the welcoming environs of Karin O'Flanigan’s oval Georgian studio on Montrose Square! Our lovely studio was quite large, comprising a living room with a beautiful original working fireplace, bathroom, eating area and kitchenette (with very nice counter tops and many well organized cabinets), and a sleeping loft above. Karin had clearly attended meticulously to every detail, from the antique furnishings and period art work to the fully furnished kitchen (food, coffee, tea and other staples and a complete array of pots and pans, dishes, silverware, and appliances). Along with the books, DVD's, and more local information provided within the studio than you can imagine, Karin made herself available to answer any questions we may have had and to make sure all of our needs were attended to. She made sure that we had an ample supply of fruit, eggs, yoghurt, soda bread(!), juice, and pretty much anything else needed for a good breakfast on each of the four days of our stay. We really enjoyed the non-touristy, neighborhood feel of the location. Montrose Square is great and is an easy, maybe 15-minute, walk over to O’Connell St. and then down, across the Liffey, and into the heart of the city. The studio is very close to attractions like the James Joyce House and Garden of Remembrance, and also close to great neighborhood pubs and markets. Karin, who is really quite an historian, was extremely knowledgeable about the city and was filled with suggestions about everything of interest -- restaurants, pubs, museums, walks, transportation -- that turned out to be right on target. We highly recommend Karin’s Oval Studio. It’s lovely and unique, Karin is a wonderful host, and the location is terrific. Without pretensions, this studio was the most historically authentic and elegant city lodging we have ever stayed in during all of our travels. We loved it.

Willa2013-08-29T00:00:00Z

A fantastic apartment! Very beautiful space, situated in an equally pretty Georgian building that is very well situated in Dublin. Really have nothing negative to say - having such a lovely place to stay made our trip. Main studio space was brilliant (very comfortable sofa, working fireplace, good bed on mezzanine) and no complaints on kitchen area or bathroom.

Tristram2014-04-07T00:00:00Z

The apartment was a real delight. Karin was very warm and left a great welcome pack!

Sarah2014-04-25T00:00:00Z

We had a very pleasant stay. Karin was unable to be there when we arrived but she arranged to have a friend welcome us and answer any questions we had. Thank you very much, Karin.

Stephen2014-09-19T00:00:00Z

Our stay was fantastic! The apartment is lovingly furnished and fully equipped. We really enjoyed our stay. Karin is the perfect host, she provided plenty of interesting information about the city and she also made sure that eggs, milk, bread were available to us! I would strong recommend it!

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This bright and spacious apartment is located in a Georgian house built in the 1790s and features high ceilings, huge windows and views of leafy Mountjoy Square. It's a five minute walk to historic O'Connell Street and the lively bustle of the city centre, with excellent public transport connections for the airport and for exploring more of Ireland. Come stay in the heart of Dublin and experience the everyday life of the city on your doorstep.

The apartment is located on the first floor of an old Georgian home, overlooking the greenery of Mountjoy Square Park. It most likely served as a drawing room when the house was first built and many of the original period features are still intact. The windows are floor-to-ceiling and south-facing, meaning the apartment is full of natural light throughout the day, even in winter. The open living space is perfect for lounging, reading and relaxing.
There is a fully-equipped kitchen with a microwave, fridge, oven, kettle, toaster and complimentary tea and coffee. The bed is king-sized, the bathroom has an electric power shower and there is high-speed WiFi throughout the premises.

Mountjoy Square is only a stone's throw away from Dublin's main sights, theatres, museums, galleries and parks. The apartment is located just a five minute walk to the top of historic O'Connell Street and the main shopping areas, restaurants and pubs are all within easy walking distance.
The area is also home to many working Dubliners and it's a great place to take in the ordinary life of the city. Just five minutes north of Mountjoy Square is Croke Park, the legendary home of Gaelic games and a hub of excitement and activity whenever there's a match on.

This is a very nice, very safe, very comfortable, very clean flat. we liked that it was an older building with character. It's just on the edge of all the sites so that it's reasonably quiet. Marianne was very accommodating and helpful. I would recommend this place to anyone who can climb a flight of stairs. Bus stop is just across the street, and bike rentals just down the street.

Marianne's apartment is exactly as on the photos - beautiful, cosy, well-located. It is a great location for a short Dublin visit and would be happy to recommend it! Marianne is very sweet and friendly, a great host.

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This gorgeous room with en-suite is located in a Victorian home, on a quiet street, close to bus stops & walking distance from the city. It's perfect for two people with everything you'd need for a cosy stay. 3 people & a golden retriever live here!

You will have a beautiful double bedroom perfectly suited to two people, with luxurious feather down duvet and pillows, a clean and elegant en-suite bathroom with a great shower in a cosy nicely decorated red-brick terraced house.

The area is peaceful and quiet, just south of the city, but conveniently accessible.
We are just a 10 min walk from Camden Street where you can find lots of nice cafes and pubs to try out and just a 25 minute walk from most of the city's main attractions.

My friend and I had a lovely stay at Claire's. The room was bright and comfy and it was really nice to have our own ensuite bathroom. Claire and her roommates were friendly and welcoming, and quick to respond to any enquiries. The house was a straightforward bus ride from the airport and we walked everywhere in the city we wanted to go (it was a 25 minute walk to the main attractions in the city centre). I would stay there again and definitely recommend it to a friend.

Heather2014-09-13T00:00:00Z

We had a lovely weekend stay at Claire's. The room looked just like in the pictures. Rio the retriever was a bonus and a friendly face to come back to every day. Thanks for making our stay comfortable Claire!

We had a very nice time in Dublin. Claire and her husband are very hospitable and live in a beautiful house. The room is nice and clean and smells terrific. We would recommand it!

Diana2015-12-13T00:00:00Z

Our stay in Dublin was splendid. The accommodation was exactly how it looks in the photos. Clean with beautiful decor. The location was perfect for us, just a 5-10min walk to the main sites in town too. Claire and Patrick were great hosts and very accommodating to our tight schedule on a trip home from Canada. Communication was easy and e-mail responses were very swift. Plus Rio is adorable. Great stay.

Mark2016-06-13T00:00:00Z

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A loft apartment of c.1200 sq ft on the 4th floor of beautifully renovated Distillery on the banks of the Tolka River. Any guest is sure to be impressed! Includes 42" Flat screen TV, Home Appliance System & surround sound system! Welcome!!!

Welcome to my home - a spacious loft-style apartment on the 4th floor of a beautifully renovated Distillery on the banks of the Tolka River with 2 bedrooms, one ensuite double room, another one with futon that becomes a double bed and a spacious living room with a comfortable couch that can sleep 2 guests comfortably. In addition a double floor mattress can be provided if it's needed for the 7th guest. If you ask me what makes a place unique, I can easily say the people! If there is a spark, if there is a chemistry between the host and the guests, then the trip becomes unique! I will do my utmost to offer all guests a warm welcome and smile, as well as my willingness to help them and make their trip to Dublin a fantastic experience. Be ready to live your myth!!! :) Look forward to reading your comment on my mirror before your departure, keep smiling!

Conveniently located in the inner Northside suburb Drumcondra, my flat is only minutes from Dublin city centre by bus or bike, or about 25 minutes on foot. Croke Park is less than 5 minutes walking distance, ideal place for fans of concerts and games. The local pubs, shops and restaurants are just down the road and Fairview Park (one of the most beautiful parks in Dublin after the world's famous Phoenix Park) is less than 900 meters and the sea from there less than 10 minutes walk.

Anastazio was a great host despite not being there, he was really easy to get hold of and explained all we needed to know and more. The flat was really comfortable and much nicer than we expected. We would definitely book again.

E2015-12-22T00:00:00Z

Anastazio is a very open and friendly guy. He did all in his power to help us with our brief visit to Dublin. Very nice appartment in a quiet neighbourhood.

Mario2015-09-13T00:00:00Z

WHAT CAN I SAY FOR ANASTASIO AND HIS APARTMENT? FIRST OF ALL HE'S SUPER AS A HOST. ALTHOUGH HE WASN'T THERE, DUE TO A TRAVEL TO ABROAD, WE JUST SAW HIM THE FIRST FEW HOURS, WHEN HE GAVE US ALL THE NECESSARY INFORMATIONS. THEN HE CALLED US SO MANY TIMES IN ORDER TO MAKE OUR STAY MORE PLEASURE AND CONVENIENT. THE ONLY NEGATIVE IS THAT THE APRTNT IS ABOUT 25 MINUTES WALKING DISTANCE FROM THE CENTER (OF COURSE, THERE IS BUS NEAR THE HOUSE). ALTHOUGH THE AREA IS VERY NICE AND SAFE. WE REALLY LOVED IT. WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT. DUBLIN IS BEUATIFULL, ESPECIALLY ITS COUNTRY AROUND OF IT. WE WILL BE BACK SOON ANASTASIO.

CON2016-05-08T00:00:00Z

Anastazio is a perfect host the loft is modern, fantastic, and very clean ! Number one!!

Simone2015-08-15T00:00:00Z

Anastazio was a fantastic host! This was our first AirBnB experience and our first night in Ireland, so having someone so helpful was great! He gave us a ton of information and recommendations of where to go (and even drew them on the map he gave us!). He recommended The Celt for dinner which was fantastic and in walking distance from his home. We appreciate the hospitality and will be staying again for our last night as well.

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Experience authentic Georgian elegance is this unique large OVAL studio apartment, overlooking park. Accommodates two in cosy sleeping loft. Light a fire, cook dinner in the designer kitchen, and then head out to enjoy the attractions of the city.

Come cocoon yourself in Georgian luxury and elegance this unique OVAL apartment, situated on Mountjoy Square, in the heart of Dublin’s historic North Georgian Core, just minutes from all the action.
The large studio apartment is on the first floor of a fully restored Georgian townhouse, built in 1792. Both the house and the apartment retain all their Georgian features, combined with modern comforts.
The apartment has a fantastic 10ft window and overlooks a quiet side street, with an oblique view of the square. Other features include a fine, working, black Kilkenny marble fireplace with a spectacular gilt over-mantle mirror. The log basket is fully stocked- we charge cost price for the fuel used on an 'honour system'.
The fully equipped kitchen with granite worktop has a gas hob, electric oven, microwave, dishwasher, electric kettle and a toaster. Eat around the 1770's oval dining table with four Georgian chairs. The rest of the apartment is comfortably furnished with antique furniture, Irish where possible, and a luxurious 6 ft. sofa. A large flat-screen TV, and a DVD player and iPod/iPhone player/dock for music are also provided.
The bed is upstairs and overlooks the apartment. It has a comfortable hotel-quality double bed, Siberian white goose down duvet and pillows and pure Pima/ Egyptian cotton sheets. Read in comfort with vintage Anglepoise reading lights. PLEASE NOTE that the head height in the loft is somewhat restricted, and the bed is consequently low.
The apartment is designed for two people, but a hotel-quality, foldaway bed is available for a third guest. A surcharge of €10, to cover the cost of the extra laundry, will be applied if two people occupy the apartment as as twin. This will be collected in cash, upon arrival.
The bathroom has a high-pressure shower and loads of storage space.
•You will receive a welcome pack of the basics- quality tea, coffee, home-made granola and preserves, with fresh bread.
•100% cotton bed linen and towels are provided
•Local tourist information and guide books available
•Free wi-fi
•Hair dryer
•Fuel, at cost price, is available for the fire, if required.
•Washing machine and dryer are available in the building -€7.50
•Secure off-street parking is available for €5 per night
CHECK-IN is from 3pm, and CHECK-OUT by 11am, please. We are happy to take in your luggage earlier; please let us have your flight details/travel arrangements, so that we can plan our day around being here to greet you.
The house is perfectly located for exploring the city; all of the city's cultural institutions are within walking distance and the transport connections are excellent.
Airport bus (41) passes door, 8 min. walk to LUAS Red line, DART, (Connolly and Tara) and city busses. Dublin Bikes stand opposite house.
KARIN'S GUIDE TO THE CITY
LOCAL GROCERY SHOPPING, SERVICES AND BREAKFAST OPTIONS
In general, shopping hours are 9.30-6pm, with late-night shopping till 8pm on Thursdays. Sunday opening is from noon.
BREAKFAST
The Old Music Store, on North Frederick Street is comfortable and offers a good cooked breakfast. The no-frills Kingfisher Café, on the corner of Parnell Square and Parnell Street West offers a good freshly cooked Irish breakfast and very good fish and chips later in the day.
LOCAL GROCERY SHOPPING
Tops in Pops, just down the street to the right, for fresh local produce and basic groceries, 8.30am to 6pm Monday to Saturday. They are a fourth-generation local business, who have been trading on the site since 1931. The Londis corner store next door opens 8am to 10pm, but charge for privilege. There is an ATM machine at the back, right hand side of the store.
Dunne's Stores, is the indigenous supermarket and department store chain, and has branches in every sizeable town throughout the country. There are two local branches. In North Earl Street, opposite O’Connell Street’s Spire, the Off-Licence (liquor store) is in a separate premises, a few doors apart - look for the James Joyce statue. You will find a bigger branch in the ILAC Shopping Centre, flanked by Henry Street, Moore Street and Parnell Street West (Moore Street entrance is opposite Paris Bakery).
There is Metro Tesco on Parnell Street West, just past the Rotunda Hospital. A main branch is to be found in the basement of the Jervis Centre, off Henry Street.
Carney’s Butchers, is another multi-generational local family business, which prides itself on the quality of its meat. In keeping with local tradition, they sell fresh fish on Friday’s.
F.X. Buckley’s Butchers have two local branches; Moore Street and Talbot Street. This is a very old Dublin business and they have everything; free-range pork, beef and lamb from their own herds, poultry, game in season and fish, and, in the Moore Street branch, a deli counter for cooked meats next door. They are very obliging, and the lads have a great line in smart (sassy) chat.
PHARMACIES
Foley's Pharmacy on Parnell Street East is a 100+ year-old family business; they are very helpful. Opening hours: Monday-Saturday 9am 6pm.
There is a late-night pharmacy, Hickey’s at 55 Lower O’Connell Street, (west side, within the block closest to the river). Opening hours: 8am -10pm M-F, 8.30am-10pm Saturday. 10am 10pm Sunday. Web: (email hidden)
POST OFFICES
Nearest Post Office is Parnell Street East, at corner of Marlborough Street, but much nicer is the GPO, O’Connell Street. 1828 façade, but badly damaged in the 1916 Rising, and largely rebuilt in 1928. The main hall is beautiful, with its entire original, 1928, fittings intact. It also contains the iconic statue, by Oliver Shepherd, The Dying Cuchullin. You will find a booklet with postal rates in the black folder.
BANKS
Allied Irish Bank has a branch on O’Connell Street, at the SW junction with Parnell Street, opposite the Rotunda Hospital. ATM in the wall.
Bank of Ireland has a branch at Lower O’Connell Street, on the east side of the street, between Middle Abbey Street and Ashton Quay. ATM inside, opens
MEDICAL AND DENTAL PRACTICES
Mountjoy Medical Practice, Dr. Gerry Roebuck, Dr. Holly Porter (female) Dr. Colm Killeen. 2-3 Baker’s Yard, Portland Street (website hidden) (phone number hidden).
Opening hours 9-1.30 and 3.30-5.30. You can just drop in. €50 per visit.
Frederick Dental Clinic, Dr. Peter Dwyer, North Frederick Street.
-My dentist- is happy to see people on an emergency basis. Call for (website hidden)(phone number hidden).
NORTHSIDE
LOCAL RESTAURANTS:
'The Cobalt Cafe', in a beautiful Georgian house on North Great Georges Street, which doubles as a gallery, is great for lunch. Parnell Street, Dublin's emerging 'Chinatown' is just a half a block to the south. Newly opened, on Parnell Square West is 'The Hot Stove', serving modern Irish food in a smart and comfortable setting.
Across O'Connell Street, on Moore Street, you will find the Paris Bakery, and (new) Deli. They serve all day, until 10 pm; superb pastries and great coffee from 8am, as well as excellent bistro-style meals, and fantastic bread.
Nearer the river, 'Le Bon Crubeen' (crubeen=pig's trotter- it's a modern Franco-Irish restaurant) is on Talbot Street, as is the venerable and immensely popular 'Talbot 101'. It is packed to the gunnels with locals between 5.54 and 7.15, enjoying their pre-theatre supper before the Abbey curtains rise at 7.30, when they relinquish their seats for the rest of us!
On the riverfront, I love Panem, facing the Millennium Bridge, for a quick coffee and a delicious Sicilian almond biscuit, baked on the premises. A few doors down, you'll find a cluster of Italian bars, cafes and restaurants serving good quality food. Half a block to the east is the trendy 'Winding Stairs' restaurant, with its book-lined walls (relics of a former second-hand bookshop-cum-cafe of the same name), while back on Capel Street, locals rave about Brother Hubbard for lunch.
LOCAL PUBS include the 'Hill 16' just opposite the house, on Gardiner Street - very popular with the GAA crowd on match days (the Gaelic Athletic Association Stadium, Croke Park, is just 3 blocks to the east), they pull a superb 'pint'. ‘The Heritage Parnell’, on Parnell Street West, just around the corner from O’Connell Street 'The Flowing Tide', on the corner of Marlborough Street, opposite the Abbey Theatre, is one of my favorites - after the curtain goes down in the Abbey, half the cast are likely to be at the bar. A few doors closer to O’Connell Street is Mulligan’s, another very nice pub, dating from the Edwardian era. 'The Church' on Mary Street, in a converted 1720's church, is another fine place for a drink; the former owner won many accolades for the high quality of the restoration. Capel Street has many typical local pubs, which have the added benefit of serving a largely local population. They include 'O’Neill’s' and 'Slattery's which is good for music. 'The Black Sheep' has the local craft beers covered, and does good bar food, (as does its sister pub, ‘The Brew Dock’, on Store Street, at the bottom of Gardiner Street. The north side traditional music 'musician’s' bar is 'The Cobblestone', at the top of Smithfield, and is suitably grungy.
DEPARTMENT STORES AND FASHION
Henry Street, off O’Connell Street, at the SPIRE, is the premier shopping street on the north side of the river. Here you will find Arnott’s the local department store, which highlights Irish fashion and design, throughout the store, and has several nice cafes. Henry Street also contains large branches of Debenhams and Marks&Spencers, as well as branches of most of the high street fashion chains. There are two large shopping centres, the Jervis, with a large branch of Tesco’s in the Basement, and the ILAC, which has a Dunnes Department Store, with a Food Hall in the basement. (You can shop for fresh produce on adjacent Moore Street, Dublin's oldest street market, now also home to a thriving cluster of ethnic food markets and restaurants.) Clery’s Department Store is on O’Connell Street- have a look at the elegant 1940’s neo-classical façade, a mini version of Selfridges’s in London.
NORTHSIDE CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS
The North side of Parnell Square is home to the city's Hugh Lane Gallery of Modern Art; we share a significant collection of Impressionist painting with the Tate Gallery in London, part of the Hugh Lane Bequest, which is rotated in seven-year cycles. Next door is the Writer's Centre, and next door again, is the Writer's Museum, with a Michelin-starred restaurant in the basement, the amazing Chapter One. Down on the East side of Parnell Square is the beautiful jewel-box that is the Gate Theatre - part of the 18th-century entertainment complex established by the entrepreneurial Dr. Bartholomew, to help support his new Rotunda Maternity Hospital (the oldest purpose-built such hospital in the world, and still delivering babies on a daily basis, 270 years later (9000 is 2012).
You could be seated in either the Abbey or Gate Theatres within 10 minutes of leaving the house, and the James Joyce Cultural Centre is even closer, on North Great Georges Street (don't forget to check out the Cobalt Cafe, opposite).
Hop on the Luas Red Line, going west, in Abbey Street, halfway between Mountjoy Square and the river, and you will be dropped at the ‘Museum’. The National Museum, Collins Barracks, housed in an old military barracks, dating from 1702, contains the Decorative Arts Collections, (basically, everything post 1700). Descend at the next stop, ‘Heuston’ for IMMA, Ireland's National Museum of Modern Art, housed in the old Kilmainham Hospital, built in the1660’s. It pre-dates the more famous Chelsea Hospital in London by several years.
Not to be missed is the Old Jameson Distillery, in Smithfield. Jameson was distilled here until 1971, when three historic distilleries amalgamated, and centralized distilling in Midleton, Co. Cork. The Museum is very well presented; one is guided around the distilling floor, among the huge old pot stills before retiring to the Bar to sample the goods.
Nearby is one of the oldest churches in Dublin, St.Michan’s, on Church Street, dating from the mid-11thc. There are several mummified bodies in the basement, thought to be Crusaders. When I was a child, one was allowed to shake their hands…..
SOUTHSIDE
In the south city centre, the RESTAURANT HUB is in the pedestrian streets to either side of Grafton Street, and in Temple Bar. Particular favourites of mine include:
* Nede, Temple Bar Square
* Eden Bar and Grill, South William Street
* The Green Hen, Wicklow Street
* Fallon and Byrne, Exchequer Street, basement wine-bar, full service restaurant first- floor, and coffee bar within the food-hall on the ground floor.
* Fade Street Social, Fade Street, tapas bar and full-service restaurant.
* The Rustic Stone, Exchequer Street, upmarket, sophisticated and healthy ‘fast food’.
* Cornucopia, Wicklow Street- vegetarian café day, full service by evening.
* The Port House, South William Street, wine bar and tapas.
* Pinxto, Crowe Street, Temple Bar, as above, same management.
Southside city-centre TRADITIONAL PUBS we like are:
* Mulligan's, Poolbeg Street
* Neary's, Chatham Street
* Grogan’s, South William Street
* International Bar, Wicklow Street
* O'Neill's, Suffolk Street
* The Dawson Lounge, Dawson Street
* The Stag's Head, Connaught Court
* The Long Hall, South Great Georges Street
* Doheny and Nesbitt’s, Merrion Row
* Kehoe’s, South Anne Street
* The Duke, Duke Street
Fronting the river, TEMPLE BAR, with its vibrant mix of independent shops, cafes, restaurants, pubs, markets and cultural institutions occupies an area three blocks deep and ten blocks long. At the western end, look out for the two branches of the Queen of Tarts- a wonderful teas shop that offers really good home baking and teas and coffees, all served on mismatched antique china (Lord Edward Street and Cow's Lane).
TEMPLE BAR FARMERS MARKET, is held every Saturday in Meeting House Square, 9-4.30, now has a smart new tensile roof for wet days, and is a good place to rub shoulders with the locals, whilst sampling local food culture. Don’t miss the Oyster Stall, Hick’s Pork Butchers, or David Llewyllan’s fantastic ‘Double L’ local cider- 100% apple (not even water), and the two local cheese stalls, among others. Don’t’ forget to check out the overflow stalls on Curved Street, where Rossa Crowe’s fantastic bread is on offer- Rossa took himself off to France for two years to train, and now produces slow fermented breads, made with the very best organic flours.
NORTHSIDE CULTURAL ATTACTIONS
TRINITY COLLEGE is a good orientation point; from here it is easy to find the mediaeval core, the cultural/political hub of the country around Kildare Street, and the Grafton Street fashion hub.
The campus occupies a 40-acre (16ha.) site, and is over 400 years old, though what one sees today are mainly beautiful eighteenth-century buildings. It is worth a wander around, after a visit to spectacular Long Library, to see the Book of Kells and other illustrated Celtic manuscripts.
From Front Gate, look south to Grafton Street or west up College Green and Dame Street, which lead to the mediaeval core. At the brow of the hill you will find:
* Dublin Castle (visit the State Apartments, the Chester Beatty Library and the lovely garden in front (which is actually the helicopter-landing pad for the Castle).
* The City Hall with its 'Museum of the Capital' in the basement is worth a look- the Hall is free, and there is a nominal charge for the Museum.
* Christchurch Cathedral
* Dublinia-in the Christchurch Chapterhouse (Viking Exhibition).
* Old Saint Audeon's Church, built almost into the city wall.
* St Patrick's Cathedral, and historic park beside.
* Marshe's Library-the oldest public library in these islands, 1701.
* Francis Street- the Antiques Quarter.
* Thomas Street/Meath Street, for a touch of 'Old Dublin'.
* The Guinness Storehouse.
* Royal Hospital, Kilmainham, (IMMA) Ireland's National Gallery of Modern Art, with its wonderful, recently restored formal garden.
KILMINHAM GAOL is worth a visit, and tells the story of Irish Nationalism. It can be reached via the grounds of IMMA, passing Bully’s Acre, and old graveyard, where Brian Boru was reputedly rested on his way to his final burial place in Armagh.
Alternatively, exit onto Nassau Street, with its cluster of high-quality shops showcasing the best of Irish crafts - fashion, knitwear, weaving, glassware, ceramics and contemporary jewellery - the Kilkenny Shop has a great cafe upstairs, with views over College Park.
Continue along the College Park railings till you reach Kildare Street, the cultural-institutional hub of the country. All of our national cultural institutions have free admission. Here you will find the National Library, and the National Museum, facing each other over the forecourt of Leinster House, home to the Oireachtas, our National Parliament. The National Library has a lovely exhibit on the poet, W.B. Yeats, and the Treasury, in the National Museum houses both the Bronze Age and Early Christian collections.
On the opposite side of the block, on Merrion Street/Merrion Square, you will find the National Gallery, and the Natural History Museum (known to Dubliner's of my father's generation, as 'The Dead Zoo’. This is a very refreshing look to the past, with absolutely no interpretation, and nothing, not even a postcard, to buy).
The National Gallery is halfway through a four-year renovation programme; in the meantime, the Millennium Wing, on Clare Street, has a ‘highlights of’ exhibition, and the Café and Gift Shop are also accessed via the Clare Street Entrance.
GETTING AROUND
Two operators offer Hop-On/Hop-Off tours:
(website hidden)
(website hidden)
They both offer a 2-day ticket, and cost roughly the same price - check them out online before you make up your mind.
One can buy an integrated LEAP card in most newsagents, at train stations, and in the Dublin Bus Head Office at 42 O’Connell Street (on the west side of the street, just north of the Spire). This can be used on the LUAS, DART, some suburban mainline trains, and on Dublin Bus routes.
There is also a 3-day tourist pass, the Freedom Ticket, which provides good value. €28 will give you 72 hours transport, starting at the Airport; Airlink from the airport, the Hop-On-Hop –Off tourist bus and all local bus routes. Web: (website hidden)
•The DART, the local electric commuter train, runs north/south along the coast. The northside city centre station is Connolly, on Amiens Street, facing Talbot Street, but I usually suggest people use Tara Street, as Connolly is also a mainline station, and is very big, and a bit confusing. Tara is purely a commuter station, and is about the same distance. It is on George’s Quay, just south of the Custom House. The other south-side city centre station is Pearse, on Westland Row, at the south end of the Trinity campus.
•The LUAS Red Line runs east-west through the north side of the city, as far east as the docks, and serves both Connolly and Heuston mainline stations. The nearest stop to Mountjoy Square is Abbey, on Middle Abbey Street, opposite the Abbey Theatre. The LUAS Green Line serves the south suburbs; Ranelagh, Dundrum, Leopardstown Racecourse, and on out to Cherrywood, on the county boundary with Wicklow.
•Main cross-city bus routes run north-south through O’Connell Street. The No.7 terminates on Mountjoy Square North, and there is a ‘shopper’s fare’ of 70c, to Grafton Street- alight at Trinity. On the return journey it skirts the Trinity campus and comes along Pearse, to the east of the campus - catch it on Clare Street, at the Millennium wing of the National Gallery.
•DUBLIN BIKES are free to use for the first half hour, and have a stand on Mountjoy Square West, but one needs to go to the Princes Street stand (to the right hand side of the General Post Office (GPO)), to purchase a short term card. It costs €2, and is only available to credit card holders.
SHOPPING WITH A DIFFERENCE
Those interested in the local fashion, art and design scene should look out for the following addresses (in no particular order):
•Designist, South Great George's Street (stock chosen for good design)
•Irish Design Store, Drury Street
•Article, Powerscourt Townhouse Centre (housewares)
•Irish Designer Store, Top floor Powerscourt Townhouse Centre
•Cow's Lane Gallery, Temple Bar (artist’s collective)
•The Jam Factory, Nicholas Street (artist’s collective)
•Avoca, Suffolk Street
•Kilkenny Shop, Nassau Street
•Designyard, South Frederick Street (jewellery)
•Louise Kennedy, couturier, Merrion Square, and Tipperary Crystal
•Gallery Zozimus, Francis Street (art gallery and carefully chosen crafts)
•Graphic Studio Gallery, Temple Bar (artist-printmaker’s gallery)
•Malthouse Design Centre and Shop, Distillery Court, 537 North Circular Road, just around the corner from Mountjoy Square (cluster of design-led businesses, 10-5 M-F)
•Magee's of Donegal, Wicklow Street, and,
•Kevin and Howlin, Nassau Street have hand-woven tweeds covered.
•Dubarry's, College Green produce wonderful, country-style outerwear, including the most perfect alternative to sweaty, waterproof Wellington boots…
•Monaghan's, Hibernian Way, the House of Ireland on Nassau Street and the Sweater Shops on Wicklow Street and Nassau Street has the best selections of traditional knitwear. Monaghan's specialise in cashmere.
•Murphy and Sheehy, Castle Market, stock Irish tweed, Irish linen and a quirky selection of designer fabrics. Look out for their ‘Linen Union (linen/cotton blend) Glass Cloths- the best ever for polishing glassware, they make a super, useful, inexpensive and lightweight traditional gift!
•The Cloth Shop, St. William Street, for interesting designer fabric, including a good selection of Irish Linen, and Liberty of London
INDEPENDENT BOOKSHOPS and MUSIC STORES
Eason’s, O’Connell Street, is a Dublin institution for over 100 years. It encompasses a large stationery department, a branch of Tower Records on the top floor, academic books in the basement, a nice café and two floors of general books. It is a good place to browse books of Irish interest, and they have a really good Information Desk.
Chapters, Parnell Street West is my ‘local’. John Gannon is one of the best booksellers in the business, and his staff are hand-picked enthusiastic bibliophiles, one and all. Stock is a mixture of the latest releases, and carefully chosen remaindered books. Their ordering service is superlative, and they ALWAYS know exactly what one is talking about, even with just the vaguest, half-remembered clues from a newspaper review. Very strong on contemporary fiction, natural history, non-fiction and books of Irish interest. Extensive second-hand section upstairs.
The Secret Bookstore, Wicklow Street is another favourite. It’s tucked away down a passage, near the L’Occitane shop and often throws up gems among its large second-hand stock. An eclectic music store occupies the rear of the shop.
Cathach Rare Books, Duke Street, specializes in Irish first editions, and have an interesting selection of Irish maps and prints.
Stokes Books is another interesting antiquarian/secondhand shop, specializing in books of Irish interest. You’ll find it in Georges Street Arcade.
Claddagh Records, Cecelia Street, Temple Bar, is primarily a music publisher, but they have a retail outlet in Temple Bar, which is the oldest independent music shop in Dublin, and specializes in traditional Irish music, with some interesting World Music additions.
The Celtic Note, on Nassau Street, beside the Kilkenny Shop is another good bet.
PLACES OF WORSHIP:
Roman Catholic:
Many Catholic churches have Mass on Saturday evening, in addition to morning Masses.
•St. Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church, Upper Gardiner Street. Gospel Mass, 7.30pm Sundays, September to mid June.
•St. Mary's Metropolitan Church - the Pro-Cathedral, Marlborough. Sung Mass, 11am, Sundays, with the Palestrina Choir.
•St. Joseph’s Church, Berkeley Road, Dublin 7.
•St. Teresa’s Church, Clarendon Street Church, choir sings at 11 o’clock Mass, Sunday’s
•St. Peter’s Church, Phibsborough, Dublin 7, has wonderful Harry Clarke (phone number hidden)) stained glass windows.
•Whitefriars Street Church, Aungier Street, church has relics of St. Valentine.
Church of Ireland:
•Christchurch Cathedral, Christchurch Place, sung Services Sundays,
•St. Patrick's Cathedral, Nicholas Street, sung Services Sundays.
•St. Anne’s Church, Dawson Street, Dublin 2
Jewish:
Dublin Hebrew Congregation
(website hidden)
Daily services in Synagogue at 32a Rathfarnham Road,
Public Transport:
Buses: (PHONE NUMBER HIDDEN).
Get off at Terenure Cross (road). Walk up Rathfarnham Road, pass AIB Bank and one row of terraced houses; shul is next building, with wooden/metal security gates. Across the street is a shop called Window Fashions.
Dublin Jewish Progressive Congregation (DJPC)
Website: (website hidden)
Email: (email hidden)
Postal: PO Box 3059, Dublin 6
President: Mrs. Hilary Abrahamson
Muslim:
Islamic Cultural Centre of Ireland (ICCI)
19 Roebuck Road, Clonskeagh, Dublin 14,
Tel: (phone number hidden)
Islamic Foundation of Ireland (IFI)
163 South Circular Road, Dublin (website hidden): (phone number hidden)
Anwar-up-Madina
Moore Street, Dublin 1.
SHORT TRIPS OUTSIDE THE CITY BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT
NORTH:
Catch the No.46A bus, (heading north on O'Connell Street to the Phoenix Park- the largest enclosed urban park in the world, 1750 acres behind a seven-mile-long stone wall. Ashtown Castle Interpretive Centre, with its wonderful walled garden and café is a good place to orient oneself. From here, on Saturdays, it is possible to visit Aras an Uachtarian, the official residence of our President. One can also visit Farmliegh, the Official State Guesthouse, a former Guinness mansion. Among it’s attractions are an art gallery, café, occasional free concerts, and regular weekend Farmer’s Markets. The Park also houses the Dublin Zoo, (1827, the second-oldest Zoo in the world, after London’s Regent Park Zoo). Several herd of Fallow Deer roam at liberty.
Many sports are catered for; there is Polo ground, a cricket club, and lots soccer pitches. The Duke of Wellington is commemorated by a marvelous granite obelisk, which can be seen for miles. The area know as the Forty Acres affords superb views over the city, with the Royal Hospital and Guinness in the foreground, along the south side of the River Liffey. Phoenix Park can also be reached via the LUAS Red Line, direction Tallagh, heading west. Alight at 'Museum' and take a detour into the National Museum-Collins Barracks, which houses the Decorative Arts, post-1700, wonderful collections of silver, furniture, glass and other artifacts.
Just up the road, in Glasnevin there are three worthwhile attractions: Glasnevin Cemetary, was founded by Daniel O’Connell as one of his first initiatives, post Catholic Emancipation in 1829, to provide a dignified place for Catholic burial. The Glasnevin Musuem is new, and has superlative displays of Nationalist history. They also have a very good Geneology Department.
The National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, date from the end of 18thC. Though relatively small, they contain an internationally-aclaimed collection of plants and three iconic Glasshouses, by Turner of Dublin, which have all been restored in the recent past. There is a nice café in the Gardens, and entry is free. The Gravedigger’s Pub, over-looking a Green, is not to be missed. It got its name from the fact that there used to be a hatch in the rear wall, through which the gravediggers were served. They do nice simple pub food, and one can sit outside on sunny days. Walk back into town, and stop at either the The Botanic Bar at Harte’s Corner or the Brian Borus, typicl local bars. The Porter House, at Cross Guns Bridge, which is a micro-brewery, with nice food, is on the corner of the Royal Canal. Take a stroll east down the canal bank, and you will see swans, and moor-hens going about their business. At the next bridge, at Dorset Street look out for the lifesize bronze statue of Brendan Behan, a local author. From here is just a few minute’s stroll up Belvidere Place, with its charming stepped terraces of tall Georgian houses, to Mountjoy Square.
Another favorite is the Marino Casino, in Fairview/Clontarf, an early 18th century pleasure house, built to the design of Sir William Chambers, for Lord Charlemont, purely for entertaining, also just a few miles by bus, north of the city centre.
Catch the DART, the coastal commuter train, heading north, at Tara Street Station, on the South Liffey quays, at Butt Bridge, and take a short ride. You have the choice of Howth (a working fishing village) or Malahide.
Howth Demesne or Howth Head, behind the village will both afford walks with great views; the Harbour has a dozen restaurants along the quay- ranging from take-out fish and chips to the very upmarket. Book an early-evening window table at Aqua, and be astonished by the sunset over the coast, looking north-west. Another favourite of mine is Deep, midway along the quay (and do watch out for the local tame and greedy Harbour Seal, who begs shamelessly from the trawler men, who tie up alongside).
Malahide is a charming village, with some of the most expensive urban residential properties in the country. Good food and good shopping are to be had here. On the edge of the village you will find Malahide Castle and Demesne, open to the public, which includes a renowned private Arboretum, as Milo de Malahide, the last of his family, (who had occupied the castle continuously since Norman times, in the 10th-12th centuries) was a significant plants-man. The Castle contains the National Portrait Collection, as was as magnificent furniture and other contents. There is a smart new branch of the AVOCA Shop and Café in the Courtyard.
SOUTH:
South of the city you will find Rathfarnham Castle, and its Berkeley Costume and Toy Collection. Marley Park is a little further, just at the foot of the Dublin Mountains. It has wonderful parkland with easy walks, and a magnificent walled garden with a nice cafe. The No.16 bus, from O’Connell Street will leave you close by.
Powerscourt is at the edge of Enniskerry, its associated estate village, at the end of the No.44 bus route, which winds its way through the south side suburbs, into Wicklow, through the Scalp, a deep and picturesque glacial valley. The 19th century gardens are fabulous, and make great use of the 'borrowed landscape' beyond. The terrace and Nepture fountain are centred on the Sugarloaf mountain, which marks the beginning of the Wicklow Mountains. The Powerscourt Waterfall, part of the same estate, is a few miles further on, and there are beautiful, way-marked, woodland and moorland walks in the hills nearby. Do be mindful; these ‘mountains’ can be deceptive- while not high, they can be treacherous, as weather conditions can change in minutes. Stick to the way-marked paths, and do keep an eye on the weather.
Take the DART south to Bray and Greystones - via Dun Loughaire, Dalkey and Killiney - all interesting villages, with many cafes and restaurants.
Killiney Hill, with its eighteenth century obelisk at the summit, is a short climb that results in amazing views over Dublin Bay, and down into the Wicklow Mountains beyond. There is a nice pub in in the ‘village’- ‘The Druid’s Chair’.
Dalkey is a charming village with old-fashioned shops and lots of nice pubs, cafes and restaurants. The local Dalkey Castle Heritage Centre, is worth checking out, and in the summer run a theatre programme, and walking tours.
Bray Esplanade is a classic Victorian seaside amenity, sturdily built from local granite - the perfect place to enjoy an ice-cream. Campo di Fiori, either the Restaurant or the Café, both near the train station and the north end of the Promenade, are particular favourites of mine.
If one is feeling energetic, one could contemplate the Cliff Walk from Bray to Greystones - 4miles/6km along the rough cliff path. Lots of nice pubs for a pint of Guinness at the other end, The Hungry Pear is my favourite café, among many. The DART will take you straight back into the city. But.. make sure to do it in the morning, as by mid-day the path is in shade, and it can be windy and cold.
WEST:
Travelling into the rich plains of Kildare, by the No. 67 bus route, you will come to the historic village of Celbridge, just twelve miles from the city centre. Castletown House is Ireland's finest Palladian mansion, and was saved from destruction by Desmond Guinness, in the early 1960's. He purchased it from the construction company who had acquired it. They intended to demolish it, to make way for a vast suburban housing estate. The Irish Georgian Society, founded by Desmond Guinness, restored the house and furnished it with the help of many volunteers and sponsors, and opened it to the public, a heroic task for a small membership conservation society. Today, it is in State ownership, and it is the flagship Georgian heritage property of Ireland. It is beautifully presented, and the parklands are undergoing restoration.
A local bus, or the commuter train from Connolly Station in Amiens Street, will take one to Maynooth, a charming University town, with another magnificent Palladian mansion, Carton House, now operating as a very upmarket hotel and golf club.
Lots of companies offer day-long coach tours. Some involve very long days, i.e, Cliffs of Moher in Clare and the Giant’s Causeway on the Antrim coast. Two more local, and very worthwhile ones are either:
The Boyne Valley Tour (Newgrange Neolithic ( 5000 yr old World Heritage Site) / Mellifont Cistercian ruins- (12thC.)/ Monasterboice Early Christian (6th-8thC.)
The Wicklow-Glendalough Tour (Powerscourt / Wicklow Mountains National Park and Glendalough (Glen of the Two Lakes) a 6thC. Early Christian site, in beautiful wooded valley.
Details of both of these trips, and others, are available in the big black folder in the apartment.

A beautiful, historic residential square, built in 1790's, within 5-10 minutes walk of down-town city centre. Elegance and convenience combined with a bit of inner city grittiness. I have loved it all, since 1978!
Mountjoy Square is situated just NE of the historic city centre, within walking distance of just about all the main city attractions. It is the most densely populated area in the entire city: 1500 people have front doors opening onto the Square.
The house fronts onto a 4acre/1.5ha park, across a fairly busy street. This apartment faces the side street, so it is quieter, but you will still hear traffic.....Please bear in mind that this is NOT LEAFY SUBURBIA, but a vibrant, living city community and it's definitely gritty in places... Having said that, I have lived here, uneventfully, for nearly 38 years, and consider the trade-offs well worth it, for the excitement and convenience of having the city on my doorstep..

We had a wonderful stay in Dublin largely thanks to Karin and her beautiful place. To begin with she was very flexible in allowing our late check in time; she then spent time giving us useful tips about how to get around, marking on a map the places she felt we'd like to see, and giving us Leap cards to make public transport a lot easier. On top of this, she came round with bread and eggs and even left (the MOST delicious) banana bread for us. Karin's knowledge of the place is both useful and very interesting. We visited places we would have never thought to based on her recommendations and insight on Dublin's history. The flat itself was wonderful. We did a lot on our stay, walking long distances every day, so it was very nice knowing that we'd come back to a comfortable and welcoming place. It's decorated beautifully, and eating breakfast with the sun pouring in the big windows made for a perfect holiday morning. The location was very easy to get around from also, as it isn't a long walk from city centre and has great bus links. We didn't hire a car and definitely didn't feel we should have. I could not recommend staying here more.

Maya2016-04-06T00:00:00Z

I had a wonderful time staying in Karin's beautiful Oval studio apartment. Karin welcomed me when I arrived and gave me all the information that I needed. The apartment is beautifully decorated, with antiques, and had everything I needed for my stay. A really good experience.

Everything is as described. Karin is a very friendly host, the apartment is very nice, close to public transportation, shops and O'Connell Street! 100% recommended!

Alessandra2014-10-11T00:00:00Z

Really enjoyed our stay in the Oval Georgian apartment. It was super comfortable and very clean. Nice kitchen with everything you need. Karin was very helpful with restaurant recommendations and site seeing suggestions. Bus line is very close and it's only 15-20 min walk to all of the fun areas. Would defiantly stay here again.

Ann2017-04-25T00:00:00Z

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整套房子／公寓

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公寓

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3

卧室

Sgle Bedroom with Lounge/Den to relax. Lounge & Bathroom may have to be shared dependent on no. of guests booked ( seldom happens) My place is cosy and welcoming and is located in a quiet cul de sac overlooking the green and adj. to the tennis court, is close to Weston Airport 3 klms/ Dublin Airport Hopper Bus is less than 5 mins walk/ Numerous buses to Dublin City Centre and a choice of at least 6 Golf Courses . The River Liffey Towpath walks, and Liffey Valley Shopping Center close by

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My house is a very modern but very comfortable home.The room is a nice large bright double bedroom, you have use of your own bathroom with electric shower. we are a short walk to the lovely village of Lucan with great bars, restaurants and coffee shops.The bus stop to the city is at the estate and also the Hopper bus service from the airport stops at the estate(7.20euro). Dublin city is 25 minutes by bus. We also have Toby our adorable 10 year old dog hes a little westie.

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Please note we have pets (dogs and cats). My place is ideal for a solo traveler, a business traveler, a couple or a family of 2 adults and 1 child. We are close to Liffey Valley Shopping mall, Lucan village and there is easy access to Dublin city center as well as Dublin airport. You’ll love my place because of the location which is only minutes walk from pubs, restaurants, cafes, parks and bus stops. The ambiance is friendly, the neighborhood is a quiet cul-de-sac in a residential area

A beautiful warm, bright and airy double attic bedroom awaits you. There is plenty of storage in the room and it is a quiet and peaceful space. There is a bath/shower room which is usually for guest use only (possibly shared with only 1 other guest on occasions); again a bright modern space which has recently been refurbished. You will have shampoo, conditioner, shower gel and large fluffy towels available for your use.

Our neighbourhood is a quiet cul-de-sac with pub/restaurant, cafe, shops, hairdresser, post office and fabulous parks on the doorstep! There is a very frequent bus service into Dublin city centre (bus stop right across the road!).

An excellent place to stay! The place was clean and quiet. Great conversations with Rosemary, through which I got to know a little bit more about Irish culture. Far from the center, but you'll have everything you need very close to the house (Lidl, Penny Hill and others at 5 min walking.. if you walk really really slow). I would definitely choose Rosemary's place again :)

Great accommodation and location (walkable distance to the place I was visiting in Lucan), and most of all, great host!! I traveled with my 4 month old son and Rosemary was very helpful and ensured we were comfortable at her place, and had everything we need :) I know where to stay next time we go to Lucan, and I recommend her if you need a place to stay in the area!!

Florencia2017-01-19T00:00:00Z

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獨立房間

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獨棟

可住人數

3

卧室

You’ll love my place because its only 20 mins to city center, buses directly outside house. great little place very close to everything you need pubs, shops etc. My place is good for solo adventurers and business travelers. We also have a double bedroom so a maximum of 3 guests could stay at a time.

Tim & Taty are wonderful, I felt like a distant relative they had been waiting to host. I will stay with them during my next visit to Dublin. I recommend to anyone seeking peace & tranquility in a decent neighbourhood.

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Spacious Master bedroom with en-suite with full access to kitchen and living space. The house is shared with a working couple. The room itself is extremely private as it is downstairs at the back of the house. Our house is 5 minutes walk to the bus stop serving the city centre. We are a 15 minutes walk to Lucan Village. There is a Tesco Supermarket 5 minutes walk from the house.
Included in price:
Full use of kitchen and and equipment.
TV with UPC & access to 50 DVDs.
Private Bathroom.

This is a spacious open plan house and guests enjoy full access to the house facilities. The room Is located downstairs to the rear of the house ensuring optimal privacy.

Lucan is a busy town with numerous shops, pubs and restaurants. It is roughly 13km from the city centre.

James and Lorna were super nice. It was definitely a great value for our money! We had our own bedroom and bath to ourselves. We enjoyed the walk to the bus (sometimes it felt quite long when it's cold but not too bad). Luckily there was a grocery store nearby. And we easily got a bus pass into the city centre that took us to a lot of places! Highly recommend staying here :) was lovely!

The best hosts anyone could have! James and Lorna were so accommodating and helpful. The nicest people I've ever met! Couldn't have been luckier! Their dog is super cute! Their house is so clean and quiet!We definitely shall be back :)

Leonie2017-03-28T00:00:00Z

This was one of the best experiences I have had at Airbnb. Beautiful home , clean , comfy bed , en suite bathroom with shower. James and Lorna both amazing people , really wonderful hosts. Very considerate , generous and just the coolest people you could imagine. I enjoyed hanging out with them greatly , fun times and great conversations. I would definitely recommend this place, very close to Tesco, easy parking , clean large room , comfy bed . Own bathroom and shower and , and excellent kitchen . Hope I see them in BC.

Ryan2017-03-26T00:00:00Z

Très belle maison, la chambre était spacieuse et confortable

Philip2017-03-13T00:00:00Z

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獨立房間

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獨棟

可住人數

2

卧室

Situated in a quiet residential neighbourhood. 25 minutes from Dublin city centre, 5 minute drive to Lucan village and 10 minutes to Liffey Valley shopping centre. The bus stop is within a 2 minute walk with buses every 10 minutes into and out of the city centre.

You will have your own double bedroom and separate private bathroom. It includes fresh bed sheets, pillows and towels for each of our guests. There is also ample parking space. You are permitted to use the cooking facilities in the kitchen if you so wish.

Our neighbourhood is a quiet residential neighbourhood with a number of owner occupied houses. It is a settled, well established, safe neighbourhood.

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Our place is 2 minutes walk to Bus stop, it is not far from Griffeen Valley Park, and Finnestown Abbey. You’ll love my place, because you will enjoy your privacy and the cosiness in such nice room. We have full equipped kitchen if you interest to cook your food. Our place is good for couples or single.
I live with my wife, a daughter and a boy, they are college. We like to receive guests and consider her as member of our family.
Special price can be offered for long stay student

We have a nice room prepared for a student or visitor. In the house you can enjoy with high speed wireless internet.

Around the house there are big parks, suitable for walking or jogging. Bus stop is just 2 minutes walking.

I stayed together with a friend for three nights over St Patrick's day in Yaseens place. The family is really friendly and helpful and there is a good bus connection to the city centre every half an hour. (Probably the bus will need 30-40 min for the distance) You will sleep in a modest room which is fine for a couple of nights if you don't expect a high standard. (it was quite dusty) Considering that the price was really low it was fine for us, though.

Christine2017-03-21T00:00:00Z

Due to my flight, I had arrived quite late at the house and yet Yaseen and his wife waited for me, made sure I had something to eat and drink and then explained to me about the facilities. The room is accurately described, comfy enough for me. The facilities are clean, the bus stop to town is just a short walk away and the shops are at walkable distance. A very helpful family. Value for money indeed!

salmi2017-05-11T00:00:00Z

Staying in Yassen's room was very enjoyable. I felt very welcome by him and his family. They are great hosters and always worry about their guests. Well equipped kitchen. Electric shower, private heater and lavatory. Fair value. Buses to the city centre are just two minutes from the house. Supermarket is just seven minutes. Good resting time in Lucan!

Camila2017-02-20T00:00:00Z

Yaseen is a great communicator and gives several hints, e.g. regarding travel. As he was on vacation when I visited Ireland, I didn't see him personally, but his family gave me a warm welcome and especially his daughter is a very friendly person and gives tips on how to experience Ireland.

We stayed 2 nights in Yaseen's house, and it was really confortable. We had our own room with 2 beds for 2 persons each, access to the kitchen and the bathroom which were very clean. Yaseen has been very Nice with us, always worried about our confort. There is a bus stop 2 minutes or walk from the house. It gets you to the city centre of Dublin in 30 minutes. Its easy To find it. We recommend Yaseen as a host.

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Large double room , suit a couple or single. Three large roof windows. Own bath roo(URL HIDDEN)
(toilet and handbasin only) Shower in family bathroom Clean Bright kitchen and living room Spanish and English spoken in the house

Lovely bright room three sky lights in the roof

Nice clean neighbourhood, young families in the area close to many parks

Colin and Lhyne are very welcoming and friendly hosts. They gave us clear direction to Lucan where they are living; it is about 25 minutes to Dublin City Centre. Lucan is considered as one of the safest and quiet "green" areas in Dublin so I would recommend a stay. Five stars! *****

Colin was great and the room is lovely. Too bad we had to leave early :)

Joao2016-06-22T00:00:00Z

It was a really great night, Collin is very kind and helpful, nothing negative !

Adrien2016-10-23T00:00:00Z

Colin is a great host!! The room is in the top floor and has its own little bathroom. It was very clean and lovely furnished. Colin invited us to have a cup of tea with him daily and we had great conversations with him and Lynn. We definitely had wonderful days at Colin's house. We would really recommend this place to everyone!

We stayed in Colin's house for a month and overall experience was great! The house and the neighborhood were great, but the best of all were our hosts. Colin and Lhyne were very welcoming and kind, making us feel like we were in our own home. Colin is very helpful and Lhyne is so cheerful! We are so glad we had a chance to know them. They even prepared Shepherd's Pie for us! DELICIOUS! The room in which we stayed was in the attic and it was nice and cozy. There were enough drawers and hangers for all our stuff. Also, there is a central heating system so it was always nice and warm. Best thing about this room are roof windows so you can sleep under the stars if there are no clouds. There is a private toilet in the room, and if you want to take a shower you can do it in a bathroom downstairs. We could also use the kitchen whenever we wanted to. The neighborhood is sooo nice with a lot of parks and cute little houses. There are stores, pubs and restaurants inside 10 min of walking. Bus station is near and the drive to the city center takes about 20 min if you avoid rush hours. We decided to stay in Ireland for a longer period, and Colin's and Lhyne's home was a great starting point. We believe we made new Irish friends and we would recommend them to anyone!

Stjepan2015-12-16T00:00:00Z

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獨立房間

房源類型

Loft空間

可住人數

2

卧室

I am 15 minutes drive from Dublin Airport using the M50, located directly beside the N4 which is the motor way to both the West of Ireland ( Galway, Mayo, Sligo etc.), N6, and the Midlands, and with easy access to the N7 as the route to Waterford, Limerick, Cork etc.
Lucan Village with its many cafes,restaurants and food serving Irish pubs is less than 5 minutes walk.Also within 5 minutes walk from the house are Bus Stops travelling to Dublin City Centre (20 minutes by bus) and a number of different Shopping Centre Complexes. At the house there is plenty of parking space.
The house is ideally suited to Families, but also very comfortable for just Adults as the bedrooms are comfortable, quite pretty and you are welcome to enjoy your privacy in the Guest Sitting Room' which is especially cosy with an open fire. There are 3 bedrooms. Bedroom 1 with a double bed, a single bed and an en suite shower room. Bedroom 2 has a double bed and a private bathroom with a bath on the corridor. Bedroom 3 with a single bed is in what was the wine cellar of the house in a different lifetime so is intimate and cosy and is downstairs in the house.Please look at the photos so that the bed set up works for your group.
For breakfast at the weekends I will offer you French Toast, Scrambled Eggs, Bagels ,During weekdays I will leave you to help yourselves with a continental breakfast.
Cot Beds, Steriliser etc. are available for Babies
Bedrooms 1 and 2 are airy and bright with full linen ,towels and basic toiletries supplied.
Bedroom 3 is a once upon a time old wine cellar, small but cosy and is downstairs.
Sharing the double beds will allow accommodation of 6 people in total.
Wi Fi is available. There is a basket in the Bedrooms with lots of Tourist Information, Day Trips etc etc available for you to plan your holiday.
The house is a 200 year old farmhouse which was extended and renovated 8 years ago so it is now an interesting mixture of old and new. My children are equally welcoming to guests with new children to play with and to adults who want to enjoy a city break in Dublin.

Lucan village is a quaint place with fun gastro pubs and cafes.

An amazing place to stay. A lovely home and host, very clean and cozy. Siobhan is very friendly and made sure that we had the best time.

A place is conveniently placed close to M50 which is very useful for any traveling. The host was very friendly to us and we got along well, indeed. The place is bigger than we expected it to be with all the amenities needed. It is simple and old fashioned but as it was generally clean and everything was working it didn't bother me at all. The only thing we found it problematic was the additional foldable bed that was provided for the 5th person as it was really low quality not providing you any sleep.

The landlord is very good, the landlord took us to the center of the city, to prepare fruit for us, we are very happy, thank you!

添鑫2017-02-04T00:00:00Z

Great place to stay!! Close to bus stop. Close to train stop and minutes from Dublin city center!!

nicole2017-04-16T00:00:00Z

This place was very close to the bus station, 15-20 minutes from downtown Dublin, very clean and in a nice quiet neighbourhood. The owner met us at the location after good communication. The property was large and spacious with good facilities.